hCG, its free subunits and its metabolites. Roles in pregnancy and trophoblastic disease.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the structure and metabolism of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the effect of molecular heterogeneity on the immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gestational trophoblastic disease.


METHODS
A review of the current medical literature concerning measurement of hCG and hCG-related molecules.


RESULTS
hCG molecules in gestational trophoblastic disease are more heterogeneous or degraded in serum and urine samples than in normal pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate measurement and monitoring of hCG levels in gestational trophoblastic disease require an understanding of hCG structure and metabolism.
Cole
L A
LA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000652:urine; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014328:Trophoblastic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine
D015415:Biomarkers; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D000939:Epitopes; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic